Plane missing in Antarctica

[bizjets101]

Hoping for a positive outcome, fingers crossed, prayer said.

Monitoring NZ news sites. Latest report one hour old, below;

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ source

Poor weather is hampering the New Zealand-led search for three Canadian men, reported missing on a flight from the South Pole to Terra Nova Bay.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand, US officials at McMurdo and Italian authorities are involved in the rescue mission.

A search was launched after the men's Twin Otter aircraft's emergency locator transmitter was activated about 10pm yesterday.

The beacon was transmitting from the northern end of the Queen Alexandra Range, within New Zealand's Search and Rescue Region - about 670km from Scott Base and 450km north of the South Pole.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator John Ashby said a DC3 aircraft was over the site of the beacon, but heavy cloud was preventing visual contact.

Fixed wing aircraft and a number of helicopters, including a Southern Lakes (New Zealand) helicopter on contract to Antarctica New Zealand at Scott Base, were on standby waiting for weather conditions to allow them to travel to the area.

"Weather conditions are extremely challenging,'' John Ashby said.

"There are winds of 90 knots at the site, and conditions are forecast to worsen with snow becoming heavier.''

However, when weather conditions allowed, a joint New Zealand and US field rescue team was ready to go,'' Mr Ashby said.

"We have been advised that the plane is equipped with survival equipment, including mountain tents, and supplies sufficient for five days.''

The missing aircraft was owned and operated by Kenn Borek Air Ltd, a Canadian firm headquartered in Calgary that charters aircraft to the US programme.

[KAG]

I'm not much of a religious man, but I did say a prayer for Bob and his team tonight.
Get home safe boys.

[iflyforpie]

Hoping for the best.

[I WAS Birddog]

However something inside me is thinking that the ELT working means they also survived.

Without a doubt. Without a doubt.

[burhead1]

Thoughts and prayers for the crew

[CAL]

best of luck guys.....thoughts and prayers go out.....

[avcanada]

Prayers for the crew and families I hope everyone is found safe and well.

[Doc]

I was absolutely floored when I got a text about this. I was talking at him on Facebook Monday. They were packing up and heading home. Bob and I go a long way back. I have worked with him on a couple of occasions, and regard him as one of the best in the industry. Thoughts are with Bob tonight. Bring it on home, old friend.

[cncpc]

I was introduced to Bob by my LIDAR operator on the ramp at Inuvik a few summers ago. He had been her pilot on some missions the year before and she spoke very highly of him. I pray for the safe return of all on board this flight.

[sky's the limit]

For the most current SAR updates, check here: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/News/

[costermonger]

I hate this feeling. Pulling for Bob and crew.

[Colonel Sanders]

Here's hoping that Bob can stay warm
until the rescuers can get there!!

[blueoval56]

Praying for all three of my friends tonight. I've flown that exact route and those last 50 miles are some tough terrain. Keep warm boys.

[BTyyj]

New Zealand SAR just updated: http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/news/medi ... 30124c.asp

Seems like the weather isn't letting up. Hoping for a positive outcome.

[TA/RA]

Bob is probably plotting a route out of there right now using the map on the inside of his jacket.

[sanjet]

Here's hoping for some good news as stated above....

[shamrock104]

Hang on in there guys, stay warm and rescue guys keep up the fantastic work and never give up. Best of Irish luck to you all.

[Ramjet555]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... OwQuQfquRI#!

[snoopy]

Good grief Bob!!!! You better have some good stories to tell when you get back! You're a creative guy with a great spirit and wonderful sense of humour - all the right stuff to overcome adverse conditions and get yourself safely back to Lucy. Standing by to hear how you did it.
Best Regards,
Kirsten B.

[Meatservo]

Oh Lord, looking at the pictures I just realised I know Bob too, met him in Spence Bay years ago, and again in Eureka. Nice guy. I hope he and his crew are bundled up in their tents right now waiting for the storm to go away. I know some F.O.s at KBA too, would appreciate a heads-up if anyone knows who his partner is, although whether I know who it is or not I'm worried about 'em all the same. Fingers crossed.

[1000 HP]

I've only talked to Bob via PM. Great guy. Hoping for a good outcome. Got my fingers crossed..

[bizjets101]

Jan 24 0700 EST NEXT OFFICIAL UPDATE DUE AT JAN 24 13:00 EST

Last update came at Jan 23 23:20 EST (Toronto time)

Bad weather continues to prevent searchers travelling to the site of a beacon activated by an aircraft with a crew of three Canadian men, overdue on a flight in Antarctica from the South Pole to Terra Nova Bay.

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is coordinating the search, working with United States, Canadian and Italian authorities, after the Twin Otter aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter was activated at around 10pm last night (Wednesday, 23 January).

The beacon is transmitting from the Northern end of the Queen Alexandra Range, within New Zealand’s Search and Rescue Region – halfway between the South Pole and McMurdo Station – approximately 680km (370 nautical miles) in each direction.

There is solid cloud cover in the area, high winds of up to 170km/hr, and heavy snow.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator John Ashby said a DC3 aircraft had spent around five hours circling above the site of the beacon, but heavy cloud had prevented any visual contact. It has now returned to McMurdo Base.

Fixed wing aircraft and a number of helicopters, including a Southern Lakes (New Zealand) helicopter on contract to Antarctica New Zealand at Scott Base, remain on standby should weather conditions allow them to travel to the area.

“The forecast for the next 12 hours is for similar conditions, but if there is a break in the weather the joint New Zealand and US field rescue team is ready to go from McMurdo Base at short notice.”

The DC3 crew will now be stood down overnight, and given the weather is not forecast to improve in the next 12 hours, will not be returning to the scene until tomorrow (NZ time).

[AEROMONKEY]

You guys mentioned that Bob is a moderator on Avcanada....for those of us that do not know him personally what is his Name on here?

[flyinthebug]

You guys mentioned that Bob was a moderator on Avcanada....for those of us that do not know him personally what was his Name on here?

Just Curious.

[groncher]

Lets try and avoid the use of the past tense here shall we please?
Stay warm guys!